invention

Snacky Snacky Hippos

A two player re-make of the “Hungry Hungry Hippos” game. This project was made with littleBits in the GE Garage workshops at SXSW in Austin! Created by Nathan Hurst, Vanessa Hurst, and Barrett Conrad.

How To Make It

STEP 1

This is a 2 player game where each player needs 2 unique circuits: a fan circuit and a controller circuit. So, we have 4 circuits to build total - let's get to work!

STEP 2

For the fan circuit: connect power to a button. Circuit complete. Connect button to fan. Repeat so each player has one.

STEP 3

For the controller circuit, connect the following modules in this order: power to wire to pressure sensor to motor. Repeat so each player has one.

STEP 4

Now let's build the game: use construction paper to build a wall to support the two fans. Place the fans about 10 inches apart. Make sure they are both blowing air towards each other.

STEP 5

Use a block of wood for each player's controlling unit. Tape down a DC motor to the top of the block, making sure it sticks out over the edge. Secure the pressure sensor next to the motor.

STEP 6

Next, attach a balsa wood stick to the motor. At the end of the balsa wood stick is where your "hippo" goes. So use construction paper to fold a create a spoon-shape so you can scoop the Styrofoam ball.

STEP 7

Now you're ready to play! Turn the fan on and off to control the airflow to the ball and push the pressure sensor to turn the motor and try to scoop it up!

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littleBits Electronics Inc. supports the Open Source Hardware Statement of Principles by making the circuit designs for its modules available pursuant to the CERN Hardware License Version 1.2. See our FAQ for further details.

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